Class Reaction: 3/3
Last night when we were learning about students with disabilities, something struck me. When I was in 1st grade, the teacher I had, had been in an accident earlier in her life and it had caused her to have to learn sign language. Everyday in class, she would mark out a certain amount of time to give us a lesson in sign language. I can't really remember a whole lot, except I know the full alphabet and one song. I remember thinking how cool it was that she taught us because you never know if you might need those skills later in life. It also gave our class a little more understanding of people with disabilities and made us respect them more. I'm sure as 1st graders, we didn't know that then, but looking back, I know it now. I think that if more teachers were like this and introduced all students to a world outside of their own then students would be more well rounded and have a better overall respect for others who are not as fortunate as them. My sister also knows some sign language and we still often use it in public or in quiet situations when we want to communicate but cannot speak. I think that students with disabilities will feel more welcome into classrooms if perhaps the other students knew more about them and could communicate with them. I think in the end it would make everyone that much of a better person.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Are Teachers Professionals?
It had never occurred to me to consider teaching as any thing other than a profession before our class discussion on February 25. For the last 18 years I have been able to, by law in the states of SC and NC, call myself a "professional forester" because of I met three criteria: I graduated from a university with a nationally accredited forestry program (Go Hokies!!), I completed 2 years of supervised work experience in a full-time forestry position, and I took and passed a state administered exam in my field. Do teachers licensed by the state not meet all three of these criteria also? I began the process of becoming certified to teach by enrolling at Winthrop to gain the eduational background I need to go from one profession (forestry) to another (teaching). Will teaching in a K-3 classroom require less specialized knowledge than I needed to develop and carry out sound forestry practices? I doubt it. If anything, I feel it will require more knowledge and skill to adequately handle a classroom full of diverse, dynamic children. I look forward to reading Strike's article for tomorrow night's class and see if it changes my point of view.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Reading Analysis #2- Hailey Hughes
After reading Strike's "Is Teaching a Profession: How Would We Know?" I discovered several valid points. Strike asked the question, "Is teaching a profession?" He indicated the paradigm cases of professions including medicine and law whereas he considered teaching as a quasi-profession, a lesser extent than the paradigm cases. Why is it important to consider teaching a profession? I agree with Strike when he mentioned, "...if it is believed that teaching is a profession, we will act differently. The status of the occupation will be enhanced. We may pay teachers better. We may find recruitment easier, etc...." I believe that teaching should be considered a profession due to the high qualifications and standards that a teacher must meet. We are required to take tests and take continuing education courses in order to keep our certification, which is similar to a doctor’s requirements. Strike focused on the knowledge base of a teacher in order to perform adequately. I do agree that knowledge base is necessary in order to become a competent teacher.
Strike expressed, "if teaching is a profession, evaluation must be rooted in the knowledge base." As teachers, we are evaluated on our knowledge base before we enter the profession through various assessments, such as the PRAXIS and student teaching. If a teacher did not have an adequate amount of knowledge base, then he or she could not be admitted into the profession of teaching. Strike also questions, "Why not value teachers for what they do?" I think that society today, more than ever, does value teachers. With our expectations and standards increasing yearly, I believe that society is beginning to realize that we do not teach for those three assumed reasons: June, July, and August. Teachers choose this profession obviously not for the money, but for the opportunity to serve the community by educating children and motivating them to believe in themselves. Without the profession of teaching, society would be empty including students with no hopes, dreams, and opportunities to strive for excellence.
Strike expressed, "if teaching is a profession, evaluation must be rooted in the knowledge base." As teachers, we are evaluated on our knowledge base before we enter the profession through various assessments, such as the PRAXIS and student teaching. If a teacher did not have an adequate amount of knowledge base, then he or she could not be admitted into the profession of teaching. Strike also questions, "Why not value teachers for what they do?" I think that society today, more than ever, does value teachers. With our expectations and standards increasing yearly, I believe that society is beginning to realize that we do not teach for those three assumed reasons: June, July, and August. Teachers choose this profession obviously not for the money, but for the opportunity to serve the community by educating children and motivating them to believe in themselves. Without the profession of teaching, society would be empty including students with no hopes, dreams, and opportunities to strive for excellence.
In tough times, the Humanities Must Justify their worth
Even though it has been a while since we talked about this, but, recently the New York Times wrote an article similar to the importance of liberal education. Here is a link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/books/25human.html?_r=1&ref=education
"Derek Bok, a former president of Harvard and the author of several books on higher education, argues, “The humanities has a lot to contribute to the preparation of students for their vocational lives.” He said he was referring not only to writing and analytical skills but also to the type of ethical issues raised by new technology like stem-cell research", writes the author of this article speaking in favor of how important the humanities are to the overall education of all. Another example talks about training engineers for various types of projects needed by different fields of work.
As much as I agree with what the article says about why a liberal arts based education is still important in an economic mess where the unemployment lines are growing daily and things do not seem to get any better at all, one reason why this article was chosen can be summarized by what John Dewey wrote in "Education for Labor and Leisure" (p. 94): "An education which should unify the disposition of the members of society would do much to unify society itself".
"Derek Bok, a former president of Harvard and the author of several books on higher education, argues, “The humanities has a lot to contribute to the preparation of students for their vocational lives.” He said he was referring not only to writing and analytical skills but also to the type of ethical issues raised by new technology like stem-cell research", writes the author of this article speaking in favor of how important the humanities are to the overall education of all. Another example talks about training engineers for various types of projects needed by different fields of work.
As much as I agree with what the article says about why a liberal arts based education is still important in an economic mess where the unemployment lines are growing daily and things do not seem to get any better at all, one reason why this article was chosen can be summarized by what John Dewey wrote in "Education for Labor and Leisure" (p. 94): "An education which should unify the disposition of the members of society would do much to unify society itself".
Class Summary- February 17- Hailey Hughes
At the beginning of class, Dr. Pope indicated that the reference list as well as the artifact for Law Presentations need to be uploaded in LiveText.
The beginning of discussion revolved around questions from my blog:
Dr. Pope: "The teacher should encourage students while remaining neutral of students' choice. Is it possible to be neutral? Won't they demonstrate that into a modeling way in front of class?"
Student comment: "With the science of evolution scenario in the book, the teacher taught evolution but the students had the option to take it from him/her what he/she wanted."
Dr. Pope: There are two main questions to consider:
1. Can the teacher remain neutral?
2. Ought the teacher to remain neutral?
There are some things that could result in harm in students down the road. In the evolution example, the reverend taught students to be against evolution outside of the classroom. What obligations do you have as a teacher? Is it YOUR call to say, "that is wrong?"
Student comment: "With my experience with music teacher, he could have potentially ruined my personal identity with singing voice. He should have remained neutral."
Student comment: "It is important for teachers to "stick with the facts" and keep personal feelings out."
Dr. Pope: With the debate with the Holocaust, is it plausible to spend 3 days on proving a student right or wrong? Wouldn't it be better to spend time more productively?
With Strike and Soltis, you have to consider how much should teachers respect the personal identity of a child? The primary role of a teacher is to help them develop identities. Because one's cultural identity is important to one's own life, we are bound to respect cultural identities.
With white middle class students, the majority of students, their identities are confirmed everyday. We can see this through books as well as through the identities of their teachers.
What about the other kids? They come to school where their cultural identities are not confirmed. As a result, they are more likely to drop out of school. So, what role of a teacher does he/she have in supporting cultural identities of students?
Student comment: "I think it is important to expose students of different cultures in art. They need to appreciate other cultures around them."
Dr. Pope: What is the rationale behind it? Do we seek to confirm cultural identities of students different from mainstream culture?
Student comment: "While pointing out different people in classrooms, should their differences be recognized or should they blend with American society?"
Dr. Pope: So the goal should be unity
Student comment: "We had cultural day at our school where people would dress up and bring in food from their heritage."
Student comment: "We represented different cultures during lunches with music and history."
Dr. Pope: The goal is to help those students in minority to develop firmer sense of their identity. Help students feel ok with who/what they are. Some schools take this further. For example, there have been arguments for gender-specific classes, and classess segregated by race. If the class is just African Americans, then focus is on developing personal identity of that group.
Student comment: "With the concept of same gender classrooms, I've heard about the "Obama-Effect", which includes African Americans scoring higher on tests. Seems to be beneficial for minorites, but not white males."
Dr. Pope: There are 3 rationales for single-gender classrooms:
1. Teacher expectations
2. Classroom climate (Idea that boys seem to be more assertive;
girls less reluctant to speak out opinions)
3. Brain/learning differences
There are several concepts to consider when looking at culture:
* Valuing other cultures.
* Do all cultures deserve to be valued?
*Strike and Soltis mention that they are not better, but there is difference.
* Should we say, "Well, that's what they do and that's not right?"
EX: Women's circumcision...there is no pleasurable effects, but this is a practice
in which they engage.
Do we have a basis for criticism of culture? If we can evaluate and say that some elements of culture are morally wrong, doesn't the teacher have the obligation to deny teaching material or express their opinion? Is it possible?
Student comment: "Teachers should remain neutral for the most part, especially religiously."
Student comment: "Good example from teaching in Africa. You shouldn't undermine their culture just because it's differnt from yours."
Student comment: "Going back to the evolution issues, while considering an AP Biology course, there are other options, such as home schooling and lower level courses of Biology."
Dr. Pope: Looking back at the reading, Appiah, he distinguised identity from culture. Appiah defines common culutre. He doesn't believe we have common culture in the United States. He does mention a dominant culutre in America (Pg. 256). There is now a common culture that is widespread but not exclusively dominant.
Subcultures with radical elements. You have to consider what about the media culture? Should it be based on Justin Timberlake. Ha ha!!
Progress is always a relative concept.
Class adjourned.
The beginning of discussion revolved around questions from my blog:
- Should you respect other people's religious beliefs?
- It is ok to deny students the truth?
- What responsibility as a teacher do we need to help form the identity of the student? For example, religion and culture can become problematic.
Dr. Pope: "The teacher should encourage students while remaining neutral of students' choice. Is it possible to be neutral? Won't they demonstrate that into a modeling way in front of class?"
Student comment: "With the science of evolution scenario in the book, the teacher taught evolution but the students had the option to take it from him/her what he/she wanted."
Dr. Pope: There are two main questions to consider:
1. Can the teacher remain neutral?
2. Ought the teacher to remain neutral?
There are some things that could result in harm in students down the road. In the evolution example, the reverend taught students to be against evolution outside of the classroom. What obligations do you have as a teacher? Is it YOUR call to say, "that is wrong?"
Student comment: "With my experience with music teacher, he could have potentially ruined my personal identity with singing voice. He should have remained neutral."
Student comment: "It is important for teachers to "stick with the facts" and keep personal feelings out."
Dr. Pope: With the debate with the Holocaust, is it plausible to spend 3 days on proving a student right or wrong? Wouldn't it be better to spend time more productively?
With Strike and Soltis, you have to consider how much should teachers respect the personal identity of a child? The primary role of a teacher is to help them develop identities. Because one's cultural identity is important to one's own life, we are bound to respect cultural identities.
With white middle class students, the majority of students, their identities are confirmed everyday. We can see this through books as well as through the identities of their teachers.
What about the other kids? They come to school where their cultural identities are not confirmed. As a result, they are more likely to drop out of school. So, what role of a teacher does he/she have in supporting cultural identities of students?
Student comment: "I think it is important to expose students of different cultures in art. They need to appreciate other cultures around them."
Dr. Pope: What is the rationale behind it? Do we seek to confirm cultural identities of students different from mainstream culture?
Student comment: "While pointing out different people in classrooms, should their differences be recognized or should they blend with American society?"
Dr. Pope: So the goal should be unity
Student comment: "We had cultural day at our school where people would dress up and bring in food from their heritage."
Student comment: "We represented different cultures during lunches with music and history."
Dr. Pope: The goal is to help those students in minority to develop firmer sense of their identity. Help students feel ok with who/what they are. Some schools take this further. For example, there have been arguments for gender-specific classes, and classess segregated by race. If the class is just African Americans, then focus is on developing personal identity of that group.
Student comment: "With the concept of same gender classrooms, I've heard about the "Obama-Effect", which includes African Americans scoring higher on tests. Seems to be beneficial for minorites, but not white males."
Dr. Pope: There are 3 rationales for single-gender classrooms:
1. Teacher expectations
2. Classroom climate (Idea that boys seem to be more assertive;
girls less reluctant to speak out opinions)
3. Brain/learning differences
There are several concepts to consider when looking at culture:
* Valuing other cultures.
* Do all cultures deserve to be valued?
*Strike and Soltis mention that they are not better, but there is difference.
* Should we say, "Well, that's what they do and that's not right?"
EX: Women's circumcision...there is no pleasurable effects, but this is a practice
in which they engage.
Do we have a basis for criticism of culture? If we can evaluate and say that some elements of culture are morally wrong, doesn't the teacher have the obligation to deny teaching material or express their opinion? Is it possible?
Student comment: "Teachers should remain neutral for the most part, especially religiously."
Student comment: "Good example from teaching in Africa. You shouldn't undermine their culture just because it's differnt from yours."
Student comment: "Going back to the evolution issues, while considering an AP Biology course, there are other options, such as home schooling and lower level courses of Biology."
Dr. Pope: Looking back at the reading, Appiah, he distinguised identity from culture. Appiah defines common culutre. He doesn't believe we have common culture in the United States. He does mention a dominant culutre in America (Pg. 256). There is now a common culture that is widespread but not exclusively dominant.
Subcultures with radical elements. You have to consider what about the media culture? Should it be based on Justin Timberlake. Ha ha!!
Progress is always a relative concept.
Class adjourned.
School Uniforms
Last week’s presentation on student and teacher dress codes in public schools caught my attention. The group was very thorough and made several valid points. There was one point in particular on the slides that we did not spend too much time on though that I find worth mentioning: school uniforms.
I attended a private high school in Georgia about ten years ago and we adopted a school uniform policy. The clothes were very conservative but not all that bad. Our uniforms consisted of red or white polo shirts, white oxford shirts and khaki pants or shorts for the boys and the same for girls with the addition of a plaid skirt. Ties and jackets were optional. The uniform simplified our day. There was no confusion as to what to wear every day or who was wearing what at school. We were all the same as far as our school apparel was concerned.
While I agree that students need to be able to express themselves, I believe that there are other more artistic means to do so than in the clothes they wear. Uniforms can help promote school unity, community and even safety. As a teacher, I would prefer teaching my subject without knowing that a specific student belonged to a certain gang or was affiliated with a certain group so that I could focus on my mission of teaching and educating equally. Uniforms can also lessen the attention on the not-so-fortunate who may not be able to afford the latest clothing trends and face ridicule for the clothes they wear. Uniforms level the playing field somewhat and can make our schools a safer place. Students have enough distractions as they mature and develop their identity but at least they do not have to worry about what they wear to school.
Teaching adolescents is difficult enough but the fewer distractions that students have, the easier our job will be.
I attended a private high school in Georgia about ten years ago and we adopted a school uniform policy. The clothes were very conservative but not all that bad. Our uniforms consisted of red or white polo shirts, white oxford shirts and khaki pants or shorts for the boys and the same for girls with the addition of a plaid skirt. Ties and jackets were optional. The uniform simplified our day. There was no confusion as to what to wear every day or who was wearing what at school. We were all the same as far as our school apparel was concerned.
While I agree that students need to be able to express themselves, I believe that there are other more artistic means to do so than in the clothes they wear. Uniforms can help promote school unity, community and even safety. As a teacher, I would prefer teaching my subject without knowing that a specific student belonged to a certain gang or was affiliated with a certain group so that I could focus on my mission of teaching and educating equally. Uniforms can also lessen the attention on the not-so-fortunate who may not be able to afford the latest clothing trends and face ridicule for the clothes they wear. Uniforms level the playing field somewhat and can make our schools a safer place. Students have enough distractions as they mature and develop their identity but at least they do not have to worry about what they wear to school.
Teaching adolescents is difficult enough but the fewer distractions that students have, the easier our job will be.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Are Teachers Professionals
Last Wednesday evening we touched up our belief as to whether or not we thought teachers were professionals. I want to write this blog prior to reading Article 20 in Curren because reading it may sway my initial thought. It is my belief that teachers are professionals, however, I understand that there are many opposing views on the subject. I left class with the feeling that the majority of the class was on my side regarding this subject. I decided to administer a small, unscientific, random survey at the office. The overwhelming majority of those I asked agreed with me. However, this could be a very biased pole. There are several people at the office that are married to teachers or have a teacher in their direct family. Therefore, they have hands-on knowledge of the amount of work and professionalism that is required to teach.
Upon returning home from class Wednesday night, I asked my husband his thoughts. Prior to him answering I did tell him that one argument is that teaching is a calling and, therefore, not looked upon as a profession. He brought up the point that medical doctors, lawyers, nurses and ministers are answering callings and are certainly considered professionals. Good point! If I look at the question through the eyes of a successful business woman, I might skew my view to feel that teachers don’t work 12 months per year as I do, etc. Therefore, they can't be professionals However, if I look at the question through the eyes of a parent concerned about my child’s education, I might skew my view to feel that teachers better be professionals to insure a proper education for my children. I can recall this issue being talked about 20 years ago in a class I once took, and I’m revisiting it again today. Bottom-line it might be an issue that will never concretely be resolved.
Upon returning home from class Wednesday night, I asked my husband his thoughts. Prior to him answering I did tell him that one argument is that teaching is a calling and, therefore, not looked upon as a profession. He brought up the point that medical doctors, lawyers, nurses and ministers are answering callings and are certainly considered professionals. Good point! If I look at the question through the eyes of a successful business woman, I might skew my view to feel that teachers don’t work 12 months per year as I do, etc. Therefore, they can't be professionals However, if I look at the question through the eyes of a parent concerned about my child’s education, I might skew my view to feel that teachers better be professionals to insure a proper education for my children. I can recall this issue being talked about 20 years ago in a class I once took, and I’m revisiting it again today. Bottom-line it might be an issue that will never concretely be resolved.
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